Clever
Anansi and the Boastful Bullfrog
by ‘H’ Patten, illustrated by John Clementson
(Frances Lincoln)
A pourquoi tale from the Caribbean telling how Bredda Croaky
was transformed from a special bullfrog whose skin ‘glowed with
all the rich colours of hibiscus flowers’ into an unremarkable,
nocturnal Croaking Lizard all because of Anansi’s jealousy. When
Anansi tricks the cats into attacking the bullfrog, poor Bredda Croaky
is pulled like a cracker between them till his plump round shape and colourful
skin are completely lost.
The vibrant collage pictures with their striking patterns evoke the African
origins of Anansi as much as the Caribbean setting of this particular
story. They are bound to inspire young audiences to try and create their
own pictures.
There is a wealth of potential for exploration of this colourful story
with upper KS1 children as well as the ideas offered in the teachers’
notes for KS2. Teachers, don’t miss the opportunity to share this
lively book
(reviewed by Jill Bennett)Buy
from Amazon

Rama
and the Demon King
by Jessica Souhami
(Frances Lincoln)
The festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light
over dark and knowledge over ignorance. Frequently told around the time
of Diwali (or Dusshera/Navaratri which preceeds it) is a portion of the
Hindu epic, the Ramayana: Brave Prince Rama, with the help of Hanuman
and his loyal monkey army, wins the battle against the wicked ten-headed
demon king, Ravana, to rescue his beloved Sita from her imprisonment on
Lanka and returns to claim the throne of his kingdom, Ayodhya.
Based on traditional shadow puppets, Jessica Souhami has created a wonderful
picture book version of this adventure with vibrant artwork. Magic arrows
become poisonous snakes and demons move at the speed of light in the battle
before Ravana finally lies dead – pierced by a magic arrow from
Rama’s bow.
Children are entranced and inspired by this book and the big book version
is superb to share with larger groups.
(reviewed by Jill Bennett)Buy
from Amazon

The
Leopard’s Drum
by Jessica Souhami
(Frances Lincoln)
An amusing pourquoi Asante tale from West Africa telling how
tortoise got his protective shell. So proud is Osebo the leopard, of his
splendid drum that he’ll let no one else play it, not even Nyame,
the Sky-God. So, Nyame offers a reward to any animal able to bring him
the drum. Python, elephant and monkey make unsuccessful attempts and finally
it’s small, puny tortoise who proves too clever for the boastful
leopard, and wins a hard shell for himself and all tortoises thereafter.
Jessica Souhami’s vibrant art work is based on her original shadow
puppet production of this highly enjoyable tale which has a patterned
text and lots of potential for creativity.
(reviewed by Jill Bennett)
KS1
32 pages, ISBN 0711221472Buy
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The
Fire Children
Retold by Eric Maddern, illustrated by Frane Lessac
( Frances Lincoln)
A superb retelling – both visual and verbal – of a creation
myth from West Africa wherein the world’s children are made in many
different colours. Aso Yaa and Kwaku Ananse, spirit people who accidentally
become earth’s first human inhabitants mould clay into little figures,
bake them and breathe life into them. Depending on the length of baking
time, the ‘Fire Children’ range from ‘bone white’
to ‘midnight black’ and the spirit people love each and every
one of them.
Lessac’s naïve style is the perfect medium for illustrating
this tale which has much to offer in the KS1 curriculum.
(reviewed by Jill Bennett)
32 pages, ISBN 071122188XBuy
from Amazon

Hope on a
Rope
Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrated by Joanna Troughton
(Longman Pelican Big Books)
This long story retells an African creation myth. Interesting in its own
right and also useful to compare with other creation stories.
KS2
48 pages ISBN 0582333806Buy
from Amazon

Why Flies
Buzz
by Brenda Parkes and Kim Roberts Smith
(Literacy Links - Kingscourt)
A traditional story from Africa. Quite long but well told with a repetitive
pattern.
Early KS2
24 pages ISBN 0732708915

The Animals'
Wishes
by Davie Thomason. Illustrated by Bee Willey
(Rigby Red Giant)
A traditional native American tale of how the rabbit and the owl came
to look like they do today. Well told with a touch of humour. Interesting
to compare with a Just So Story.KS1 ISBN 433042230

Yeh Shen
and the Magic Fish
Retold by Brenda Parkes Illustrated by Mon-Sien and Jean Tseng
(Rigby Red Giant)
A play set in ancient China tells how Yeh Shen has to work hard for her
cruel stepmother and stepsister. Her only friend is a fish who eventually
gives her the clothes she needs for the Spring Festival where she meets
and eventually marries the King. Interesting to compare with Cinderella.
cast - 7 main characters, a narrator and some villagersKS1 and early KS224 pages ISBN 0433031417